Written Answers Monday 5 November 2007

Scottish Executive

Access for Disabled People

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many traffic regulation orders for disabled parking bays have been promoted by local authorities since 1999.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled parking bays are enforceable, broken down by local authority.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled parking bays are advisory, broken down by local authority.

Stewart Stevenson: This information is not held centrally.

Asthma

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase patients’ self-management of asthma, to assist them to understand their condition and moderate their own medication.

Nicola Sturgeon: The key to self-management of asthma is the use of personal asthma action plans, which give people more control over the management of the condition, and provide them with earlier care to prevent deteriorations in their health.

Audiology

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiologists will complete training in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010 and (d) 2011.

Shona Robison: The needs of the NHS for audiologists are met partly through the BSc (audiology) course run by Queen Margaret University and partly through in-house training. Workforce planning will address the numbers required for the future demands on the service to meet the new 18 week patient journey target by 2011.

Cancer

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage GPs to be involved in cancer prevention and research.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Scottish Primary Care Research Network (SPCRN) encourages GPs to be involved in cancer prevention and research. This is funded by the Chief Scientist Office (at a cost of £207,122 in 2007-08) and centrally managed by the Scottish School of Primary Care (SSPC). The SSPC is funded by the Scottish Government Health Directorates (at a cost of £275,000 in 2007-08). It is currently appointing senior academics to run programmes of research which include a collaborative programme of primary care cancer research for Scotland, one element of which will be prevention and screening.

  The SPCRN has links with other primary care research networks in the UK and other countries. It builds on previous work of the local research networks and the Scottish Practices and Professionals Interested in Research (SPPIRe) based at the Scottish School of Primary Care. SPPIRe database has been well used in the past by researchers all over the UK and beyond.

  The SPCRN works with disease specific networks, including cancer, and is open to all researchers and primary care professionals, assisting in research studies that are relevant to primary care. Members contact details are held in a data base of research interested professionals who are invited to participate in research studies in the future, if appropriate. SPCRN offers practical support by carrying out activities such as suitable patient identification, mailing of invitations to patients, etc, thus minimising the use of practice staff time and disruption to the practice.

Cancer

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage attendance at current screening programmes for cancer.

Nicola Sturgeon: The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is currently being rolled out across Scotland and it is supported by a communication strategy delivered locally as each board joins the programme. The nationally produced information includes a package for health professionals and information for individuals.

  The National Advisory Group on Breast and Cervical Screening regularly discuss uptakes. Both of these programmes are supported by nationally produced literature and by local activity.

Cancer

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to improve the survival rates for pancreatic and lung cancer.

Nicola Sturgeon: There has been a significant programme of investment in cancer care in Scotland. The Scottish Cancer Strategy, Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change,  which is currently being updated, is a wide ranging plan to help control the burden of cancer in Scotland. It has delivered more than 300 additional doctors, nurses and other health professionals and significant improvements in radiotherapy and other equipment and related services across all NHS boards.

  There is also an encouraging decline in mortality rates in the under 75s and we are on target to reduce death rates from cancer in this age group by 20% by 2010. Latest figures show an 18.1% reduction since 1995.

  The Scottish Government also invests in many research trials that will ultimately improve care and outcomes for cancer patients. The Chief Scientist Office is currently funding one research project on lung cancer at a cost of £203,495 and one project on pancreatic cancer at a cost of £156,241.

  A national managed clinical network (MCN) for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancer was established in 2005 to address a lack of uniformity in outcomes of surgery and subsequent clinical management of these cancers. The aim of the network is to optimise care and outcomes through the standard setting and audit processes that are core functions of MCNs. Optimising care will have a limited benefit in terms of life expectancy but should have a material benefit on the quality of life and death of most diagnosed patients. Substantial progress has already been made on the establishment of an appropriate set of standards. A similar MCN is in place for lung cancer.

Cancer

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that access to cancer treatments is equitable throughout Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: Equity of access to and funding of services for individuals with cancer is primarily the responsibility of NHS boards to plan, in the light of the needs of their resident population, from the unified budgets which are made available to them from the Scottish Executive.

  The remit of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) is to provide advice to NHS boards and their area drug and therapeutics committees (ADTCs) across Scotland about the status of all newly licensed medicines, all new formulations of existing medicines and any major new indications for established products (licensed from January 2002). The SMC process seeks to secure the availability of drugs and treatments in the NHS on an equitable basis through rigorous, scientific consideration of the evidence presented.

Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive to which minister or ministers the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland reports.

Fiona Hyslop: As with all Scottish Government officials, the advice of the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland is available to any minister to whose portfolio interests her knowledge or responsibilities are relevant. As Minister for Science, I make a greater call on her advice than any of my ministerial colleagues.

Civil Service

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2495 by John Swinney on 14 August 2007, with which relevant colleagues and stakeholders further discussions have taken place on the creation of a devolved Scottish civil service.

John Swinney: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-5547 on 1 November 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many parents have been prosecuted, successfully or otherwise, under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003.

Kenny MacAskill: Parents cannot be prosecuted under section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003. This section provides for a defence in certain circumstances to a charge of assault in cases involving the physical punishment of children. This section also clarifies the circumstances in which physical punishment of a child will never be justified, and provides a non-exhaustive list of the factors which are to be taken into account by the court when considering whether such punishment in other circumstances is justifiable.

Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 is protecting children.

Kenny MacAskill: Section 51 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 sets the limits on physical punishment clearly and for the benefit of children. It is illegal to punish children by:

  
Shaking
Giving blows to the head
Using implements, such as canes or belts.


  In addition, if a court were looking into whether the physical punishment which a child had received constituted a justifiable assault, it would consider:

  
The child’s age
What was done to the child, for what reason and what the circumstances were
The duration of the punishment and the frequency
How it affected the child (physically and mentally)
Other issues personal to the child, such as gender and state of health.

Dentistry

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists worked in West Lothian in each year from 1997 to 2007.

Shona Robison: The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Number of Dentists1 Providing NHS General Dental Services; in West Lothian Local Authority; at 31 March

  

1997
67


1998
63


1999
74


2000
76


2001
71


2002
71


2003
72


2004
73


2005
78


2006
81


2007
86



  Notes:

  1. The number of NHS non-salaried and salaried principals, assistants and vocational dental practitioners, based on the location of the dental practice.

  2. Source: MIDAS (Management Information and Dental Accounting System).

Dentistry

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS salaried dentists worked in West Lothian in each year from 1997 to 2007.

Shona Robison: The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Number of Salaried Dentists1 Providing NHS General Dental Services; in West Lothian Local Authority; at 31 March

  

1997
13


1998
14


1999
14


2000
13


2001
9


2002
9


2003
9


2004
9


2005
6


2006
6


2007
8



  Notes:

  1. The number of NHS salaried principals, based on the location of the dental practice.

  2. Source: MIDAS (Management Information and Dental Accounting System).

Dentistry

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists worked in the Livingston parliamentary constituency in each year from 1999 to 2007.

Shona Robison: The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Number of Dentists1 Providing NHS General Dental Services; in the Livingston Parliamentary Constituency; at 31 March

  

1999
45


2000
45


2001
39


2002
37


2003
37


2004
37


2005
41


2006
44


2007
46



  Notes:

  1. The number of NHS non-salaried and salaried principals, assistants and vocational dental practitioners, based on the location of the dental practice.

  2. Source: MIDAS (Management Information and Dental Accounting System).

Dentistry

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS salaried dentists worked in the Livingston parliamentary constituency in each year from 1999 to 2007.

Shona Robison: The information requested is shown in the table.

  Number of Dentists1 Providing Salaried NHS General Dental Services; in the Livingston Parliamentary Constituency; at 31 March

  

1999
14


2000
13


2001
9


2002
9


2003
9


2004
9


2005
6


2006
6


2007
8



  Notes:

  1. The number of NHS salaried principals, based on the location of the dental practice.

  2. Source: MIDAS (Management Information and Dental Accounting System).

Deprivation

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is evidence of a link between obesity and deprivation.

Shona Robison: The most recent evidence, from the 2003 Scottish Health Survey, indicates that amongst adult males (aged 16+ years) the relationship between obesity and deprivation is not clear. Results indicate that a higher proportion of males living in the most deprived fifth of areas are obese compared to those living in the least deprived areas: 25.6% compared to 20.4%. However, there is not a clear linear relationship between obesity and deprivation across the intermediate deprivation groups.

  Amongst adult females (aged 16+ years) there is a clear linear pattern of increasing obesity with increasing deprivation, ranging from 20.7% obese in the least deprived fifth of areas to 31.8% obese in the most deprived areas.

  The evidence available suggests that there is no simple relationship between childhood obesity and deprivation.

  I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-5059 on 23 October 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

Early Years

Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of all work carried out since December 2006 in respect of reviewing the Sure Start programme.

Adam Ingram: The Scottish Government’s Early Years Strategy will review the full range of early years services, including Sure Start Scotland. The strategy will be published in summer/autumn 2008.

Elections

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of organising the local government elections in (a) 1999, (b) 2003 and (c) 2007.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government funds specific elements of the costs involved with local government elections (such as the national publicity campaign and in 2007 the additional costs associated with e-counting). However, the majority of the expenditure associated with running an election is met by local authorities from within their own budgets, and specific information on this is not held centrally.

Energy Efficiency

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert panel on energy efficiency, established in August 2007, will make use of the draft energy efficiency and microgeneration strategy, published in March 2007, and the consultation responses to that draft, in the development of its new strategy on the energy efficiency of houses and buildings.

Stewart Stevenson: I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. His response is as follows:

  No. The panel was appointed by Scottish ministers to produce an independent report on a Low Carbon Buildings Standards Strategy for Scotland. The panel met in September 2007. The report is likely to set out a number of workstreams on a wide range of energy efficiency and performance measures specific to buildings, including the use of low carbon equipment. The panel’s report is due before the end of the year.

Environment

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that Fife Council has fulfilled its statutory duties, particularly in respect of public consultation, in undertaking its strategic environmental assessment.

Stewart Stevenson: As the Responsible Authority, it is for Fife Council to ensure it meets all statutory obligations, including those for early and effective public consultation, under strategic environmental assessment legislation.

Ferry Services

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Northern Ireland Assembly to discuss the possible reinstatement of the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry and what progress is being made with regard to its reinstatement.

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to any local concerns in the Campbeltown area about apparent lack of progress in the re-establishment of the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish Government officials have discussed the project with Northern Ireland officials on a number of occasions and they continue to liaise closely to discuss joint working arrangements for taking the project forward. Respective ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland will meet shortly to discuss and agree the next steps to be taken. Further information will be made available as soon as practicable.

Finance

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive on what date HM Treasury first notified the Executive on an (a) provisional and (b) final basis which departmental expenditure limits contain comparable expenditure for the purpose of applying the Barnett Formula in relation to the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive on what date HM Treasury first notified the Executive on an (a) provisional and (b) final basis of the comparability percentages of each sub-programme for the purpose of applying the Barnett Formula in relation to the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.

John Swinney: HM Treasury notified the Scottish Government of amendment to the comparability factors for the purpose of applying the Barnett Formula on 4 September 2007. The final basis for comparability was notified to the Scottish Government on 9 October 2007.

Finance

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has utilised the dispute resolution procedure outlined in Section 11 of Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly - A Statement of Funding Policy .

John Swinney: In line with Section 11.2 of the Statement of Funding Policy, I wrote to the Chief Secretary on 11 October 2007 requesting a meeting to discuss the Scottish Government’s concerns with its Corporate Social Responsibility settlement allocation.

Finance

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the internal financial management review, referred to in section 4.2.12 of the Howat report, has been completed and, if so, what its conclusions were and whether it will be published in full.

John Swinney: The internal financial management review referred to in Section 4.2.12 of the Budget Review Report, Choices for a Purpose, is not yet complete. It is an internal piece of work at official level, not intended for publication.

Finance

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Public Finance Manual guidance on capital project appraisal was updated in light of section 4.6.4 of the Howat report.

John Swinney: The recommendations of the Budget Review Report, Choices for as Purpose remain under consideration. The Scottish Public Finance Manual will be amended if appropriate.

Firearms

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearms offences there have been in the Strathclyde police force area in each year since 1997, also broken down by (a) division and (b) sub-division.

Kenny MacAskill: Firearm statistics broken down by division and sub-division are not held centrally. The figures requested for Strathclyde police force area are provided in the following table:

  Number of Recorded Crimes and Offences Involving Firearms in Strathclyde

  Police Force Area, 1997-98 to 2006-07

  

Year
Number of Recorded Crimes and Offences


1997-98
637


1998-99
552


1999-2000
536


2000-01
522


2001-02
531


2002-03
520


2003-04
452


2004-051
531


2005-062
474


2006-072
691



  Notes:

  1. The Scottish Crime Recording Standard was introduced on 1 April 2004. Figures for some crime categories may have been inflated by this.

  2. From 2005-06, and particularly 2006-07, the figures are expected to provide a fuller coverage of crimes and offences following clarification of the counting rules and the scope of the statistical return. For further details see statistical bulletin CrJ/2007/10, Notes 5.15-5.17.

Firearms

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many injuries and fatalities resulting from firearms offences there have been in the Strathclyde police force area in each year since 1997, also broken down by (a) division and (b) sub-division.

Kenny MacAskill: Firearm statistics broken down by division and sub-division are not held centrally. The figures requested for Strathclyde police force area are provided in the following table:

  Number of Recorded Crimes and Offences Involving Firearms in Strathclyde, where a Firearm was Fired and Caused Injury, 1997-98 to 2006-07

  

Year
Fired Resulting in Fatal Injury
Fired Resulting in 
Other Injury
Total Number where Firearm Fired and Caused Injury


1997-98
5
155
160


1998-99
5
131
136


1999-2000
2
155
157


2000-01
3
203
206


2001-02
5
197
202


2002-03
3
204
207


2003-04
2
146
148


2004-051
7
207
214


2005-062
7
102
109


2006-072
6
151
157



  Notes:

  1. The Scottish Crime Recording Standard was introduced on 1 April 2004. Figures for some crime categories may have been inflated by this.

  2. From 2005-06, and particularly 2006-07, the figures are expected to provide a fuller coverage of crimes and offences following clarification in the counting rules and the scope of the statistical return. For further details see statistical bulletin CrJ/2007/10, Notes 5.15-5.17.

Firearms

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of total firearms offences recorded each year since 1997 were committed with (a) legally and (b) illegally held firearms.

Kenny MacAskill: It is not known what percentage of total firearms offences are committed with legally or illegally held firearms. This is because, although the firearm certificate status of the accused is collected as part of the statistical return, in a large proportion of cases the perpetrator or weapons alleged to have been used in the commission of a crime are not identified by the police. In a number of cases the firearm itself is not actually seen but identified based on the type of damage caused. Furthermore, it should be noted that a large proportion of offences are committed using air weapons, which can be legally held without a licence.

  The firearm certificate status of the accused in firearms offences are shown in the following table:

  Crimes and Offences Involving Firearms, 1997-98 to 2006-07: by Certificate Status of Accused, Firearms Certificate Status of Accused

  

Year
All
Holds Valid Certificate
Certificate Not Required (e.g. air weapon)
Certificate Not Held - Stolen weapon
Certificate Not Held - Other
Weapon Unidentified and not Recovered
No Accused Details


1997-98
1,054
12
330
5
97
22
588


1998-99
1,051
13
320
-
115
28
575


1999-2000
975
5
301
-
117
5
547


2000-01
960
6
298
1
125
30
500


2001-02
1,003
4
276
3
105
58
557


2002-03
1,034
8
339
-
52
76
559


2003-04
958
10
231
-
35
110
572


2004-05
1,136
5
323
-
51
49
708


2005-06
1,068
12
336
2
49
57
612


2006-07
1,245
14
575
11
64
50
531



  Note: Figures relate to the number of crimes and offences and not the number of accused. An accused may be recorded against a number of crimes.

Firearms

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum number of probationary police officers can be trained at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in one year.

Kenny MacAskill: Currently, the maximum number of probationary police officers that can be trained at the Scottish Police College in one financial year is 1,080.

Justice

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how effective the 218 Centre has been in the rehabilitation of female prisoners and whether there are plans for a detailed evaluation of the centre in addition to the report of April 2006.

Kenny MacAskill: The initial evaluation of the 218 Centre, published in April 2006, reported that the centre had delivered a number of benefits for the target group, including:

  Reductions or cessations in offending;

  Reductions in drug use and/or the levels of medication needed;

  Improvements in physical and psychological health, such as reductions in self harm;

  Attainment of stable accommodation arrangements, and

  More qualitative improvements such as lifeskills.

  The possibility and timing of a further evaluation to look at longer term impacts is currently under consideration.

Mental Health

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were sent to adult psychiatric wards in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) age group.

Shona Robison: The latest available complete information is set out in the table entitled The numbers of children (less than 18 years of age) admitted to general facilities in Scottish psychiatric hospitals for calendar years 2001 to 2005 published by the Scottish Government in 2007, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 43950). This updates previous information for the period.

NHS Waiting Times

Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all patients who are suspected of suffering from cancer are subject to the maximum waiting time guarantee.

Nicola Sturgeon: All patients who are urgently referred by a GP are subject to the 62 day national target waiting time.

  The cancer performance support team has been working directly with NHS boards to ensure critical timed pathways are in place backed up by robust inter-hospital transfer agreements to support delivery of the target. Boards also track all urgent referrals and weekly monitoring is routine to support local operational delivery teams.

  I have made it clear to all NHS boards that I expect this 62 day urgent referral to treatment target to be achieved from the end of this year.

People with Disabilities

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to end the practice by the NHS wheelchair service of refusing access to powered wheelchairs under the NHS to people who are unable to operate their own wheelchairs due to physical or learning disabilities.

Shona Robison: The five wheelchair centres in Scotland have a responsibility to assess service users’ eligibility for a powered wheelchair, on an individual basis. This is based on clinical assessment and national eligibility criteria and takes into account the type and extent of the patient’s disability, whether the patient can operate a powered chair independently and safety issues.

  Following the independent review of NHS wheelchair and seating services in Scotland, I have established a project board and have appointed a project manager to carry out an in-depth analysis of the 40 recommendations flowing from the review, including those recommendations that relate to national eligibility criteria.

  By December 2008, the project team will produce a costed action plan on the delivery of the recommendations identified, including evidence-based outcomes and timescales, for my approval. They will then implement those needs-based recommendations that are achievable, measurable and deliver the greatest benefits for the majority of service users.

People with Disabilities

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide adequate funding for NHS provision of wheelchairs that meet the medical, postural and social needs of all people who require them, including those who require attendant-controlled powered wheelchairs.

Shona Robison: It is primarily a matter for NHS boards to provide appropriate wheelchairs that meet the medical, postural and social needs of people who need them in their local communities, based on clinical assessment and national eligibility criteria, from the general funding allocations that boards receive from the Scottish Government.

  However, resources for the NHS wheelchair and seating services are being considered at present as part of our spending review. The outcome of the review will be announced shortly.

Planning

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the justification is for allowing Fife Council to evaluate only one part of the Fife Structure Plan.

Stewart Stevenson: Fife Council wrote to ministers in June 2007 indicating that, because of new population and housing projections, it wished to re-appraise the housing requirements in the Structure Plan. Ministers agreed to this in July 2007.

Planning

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on whether to approve the Fife Structure Plan.

Stewart Stevenson: A decision will be taken after Fife Council submit proposed revisions to the Structure Plan at the end of 2007.

Planning

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that, while Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency provide evidence as public agencies to public inquiries, there is no statutory requirement for these agencies to appear at hearings during the appeals process.

Stewart Stevenson: There is no statutory requirement for Scottish Natural Heritage or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to appear at a public local inquiry or hearing. It is a matter for these bodies to decide whether they wish to do so, or whether they are satisfied that any evidence they wish to put forward can be adequately covered by written submissions. It is open to a reporter from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals to request additional information from these bodies or to require parties who they deem necessary, to attend. Scottish ministers are satisfied with this process.

Planning

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that the public inquiry process provides a level playing field for community groups to fight Planning applications on an equal basis to private companies.

Stewart Stevenson: Participation in public local inquiries by interested bodies or groups is encouraged by Scottish ministers and there is no obligation for parties to be represented professionally. Where the inquiry concerns an appeal the community generally appears in support of a refusal of planning permission by the planning authority and can reasonably look to them to take the lead in assessing relevant planning considerations. Reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) will take into consideration the level of experience of parties and will ensure that they understand the proceedings, together with their rights and the obligations that come with those rights. Their overall objective will be to ensure fairness, whilst also ensuring that evidence led is relevant and not subject to repetition. It is the experience of reporters from the DPEA and Scottish ministers that community groups are capable of presenting their evidence to inquiries on an equal basis to private companies.

Police

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationary police officers have been trained at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in each of the last eight years.

Kenny MacAskill: The number of probationary police officers trained at the Scottish Police College in each of the last eight years, on first stage following recruitment, is outlined in the following table:

  

Year
Initial Probationer Training


1999-2000
358


2000-01
864


2001-02
731


2002-03
785


2003-04
1,126


2004-05
1,407


2005-06
894


2006-07
745


Total
6,910



  Note: *The above figures have been previously published in the Scottish Police College Annual reports.

Police

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationary police officers will be trained at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in each year to 2011.

Kenny MacAskill: This information is not held centrally.

  We will continue to work with the Scottish Police College and forces to ensure appropriate recruitment and training levels.

Prostitution

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revisit the work left outstanding by the Expert Group on Prostitution in relation to (a) off-street prostitution, (b) trafficking and (c) men involved in prostitution.

Kenny MacAskill: We have no plans at present to reconstitute the Expert Group on Prostitution. However, I have suggested that the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament might wish to consider a number of wider prostitution issues, such as indoor prostitution, which were highlighted during the passage of the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 2007.

  We are currently working with the police, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and the UK Government to implement the joint UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking, developed following public consultation. We are also working to ensure that Scotland becomes fully compliant with the terms of the Council of Europe Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings.

Public Private Partnerships

Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3715 by John Swinney on 11 September 2007, what the total cost to the taxpayer will be of all existing PFI/PPP projects, broken down into (a) capital construction, (b) lifecycle maintenance and (c) facilities management.

John Swinney: As you mention, the total cost of all PPP projects over the whole length of their contracts (the unitary charge) was provided in a previous answer, and that figure was £22.3 billion. The unitary charge is the amount paid by the public sector procuring body to the private sector consortium for all the integrated services it provides over the length of the contract. The services include capital construction, lifecycle maintenance and facilities management, as well as the upfront construction cost of the asset.

  The information requested for every existing PPP project is not held centrally.

Public Private Partnerships

Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken or will undertake a comparative study of the savings that would have been made to existing PFI/PPP projects by using a Scottish futures trust.

John Swinney: As part of our work on developing the Scottish futures trust (SFT) initiative, we have been comparing the cost of existing PFI/PPP projects with what we consider may be available through the SFT. This has confirmed our view that the "standard form" of PFI is expensive, and it justifies our continuing efforts to introduce an alternative which will deliver better value arrangements for major public infrastructure projects.

Public Transport

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated under the Bus Route Development Grant scheme in the last financial year; which local authorities requested assistance under the scheme, and how much was allocated in each case.

Stewart Stevenson: In 2006-07, £11,256,026 was allocated under the Bus Route Development Grant Scheme. This is broken down as follows:

  

Local Transport Authority
Funding Allocated (£)


Aberdeenshire Council
1,889,000


Argyll and Bute Council
103,000


City of Edinburgh Council
748,722


Fife Council
590,000


HITRANS
2,080,304


Midlothian Council
2,184,000


Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
1,061,000


West Lothian Council
2,600,000

Rail Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-4426 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 October 2007, whether the franchisee will be provided with any additional government funding to lease additional rolling stock required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Stewart Stevenson: The cost of leasing the additional rolling stock required to provide a half hourly service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock will be provided to the franchisee, through the franchise agreement, by Transport Scotland.

Rail Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-4426 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 October 2007, who will meet the financial cost of leasing the additional rolling stock required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland will meet the financial cost of leasing the additional rolling stock required to provide a half hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock. The finance will be provided to the franchisee through the franchise agreement.

Rail Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-4423 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 October 2007, what the annual cost will be of leasing the two additional trains required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Stewart Stevenson: The cost of leasing rolling stock is subject to the strength of the market. However, we estimate that the annual cost of leasing the two additional trains required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock will be around £500,000.

Rail Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-4425 by Stewart Stevenson on 12 October 2007, why it has no plans to purchase the rolling stock required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Stewart Stevenson: In view of the timescale for this project we believe leasing is the most efficient way to secure rolling stock.

Rail Service

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give consideration to purchasing the additional rolling stock required to provide a half-hourly rail service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Stewart Stevenson: Our consideration has concluded that we will ask the franchisee to lease the additional rolling stock required to provide a half hourly service between Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

Renewable Energy

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with procedures used in the public inquiry system for wind farm applications.

Stewart Stevenson: The procedures currently used in the public local inquiry system are set out in the Town and Country (Inquiry Procedure) Rules 1997, amended 1998. It is vitally important that Reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals obtain the material necessary to make an informed and reasoned recommendation or decision on a development proposal. In doing so, they must always act in accordance with the principles of fairness, openness and impartiality established by the Franks Committee in its 1957 Report (Administrative Tribunals and Inquiries). Scottish ministers are satisfied with the procedures used in these cases and are of the view that they are sufficiently robust to allow this.

Roads

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2509 by Stewart Stevenson on 7 August 2007, when it will publish the STAG appraisal into a Maybole bypass.

Stewart Stevenson: The STAG Part 1 Appraisal Report was published on 29 June 2006. The appraisal report on route options for a Maybole Bypass (using Design Manual for Roads and Bridges guidance) was finalised on 5 October 2007 and will now be considered in the Strategic Transport Projects Review.

Roads

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2509 by Stewart Stevenson on 7 August 2007, why the STAG appraisal into a Maybole bypass has been delayed.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-5127 on 5 November 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

  This report was completed five days later than anticipated in order to conclude necessary consultations.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the peak traffic densities are on the (a) Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns junction and (b) Auchenkilns junction to Haggs stretches of the A80.

Stewart Stevenson: The most recent peak traffic flows, for the year 2006, are:

  Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns (A80 East of M73 Junction)

  Morning Peak – 5,166 vehicles (two-way flow)

  Evening Peak – 5,534 vehicles (two-way flow)

  Auchenkilns to Haggs (South of M80 Junction 4)

  Morning Peak – 5,499 vehicles (two-way flow)

  Evening Peak – 5,629 vehicles (two-way flow).

  Peak traffic flows are available from the Scottish Roads Traffic Database (SRTDb) which can be found at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what traffic growth has been on the (a) Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns junction and (b) Auchenkilns junction to Haggs stretches of the A80 over the last 10 years.

Stewart Stevenson: (a) Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns junction has experienced growth of approximately 14.5% between 1994-2004.

  (b) Auchenkilns junction to Haggs has experienced growth of approximately 25% between 1994-2004.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended traffic capacity will be on the (a) Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns junction and (b) Auchenkilns junction to Haggs stretches of the route of the M80 when it has been completed.

Stewart Stevenson: The traffic flow ranges for use in the assessment of new rural roads, as recommended in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, are as follows:

  

Location
Carriageway Standard
Opening Year Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow


Minimum
Maximum


Mollinsburn to Auchenkilns junction
D3M
25,000
67,000


Auchenkilns junction to Mollinsburn
D2M
Up to 41,000



  It should be noted that these opening year flows are only used as starting points for economic evaluation of new roads and are dependent on many physical characteristics of the road being assessed, such as frequency and type of junctions.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that no subsidence events occur on the M80 in the vicinity of Castlecary, as occurred recently on the A80.

Stewart Stevenson: The contract for the upgrading of the A80, which is currently still being negotiated, envisages that the contractor will be responsible for the risks associated with subsidence on the M80.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what allowance will be made in the tender documents for the construction of the online upgrade of the A80 to full motorway status to cover any additional costs due to unexpected ground subsistence that may occur during the period of the contract.

Stewart Stevenson: The contract for the upgrading of the A80, which is currently still being negotiated, envisages that the contractor will be responsible to cover any costs due to unexpected ground subsidence.

Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is giving to the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to move from its present site to its proposed new location.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council to conduct a site search exercise followed by a feasibility study into the preferred site. These studies have identified a suitable site south of the A8, roughly opposite the existing site. The site has been identified in the consultation draft of the West Edinburgh Planning Framework (WEPF) as suitable for the use. Any revision to the local plan or decision regarding a planning application for the site should have regard to the content of the WEPF.

  The RHASS is negotiating with BAA regarding relocation and in due course will submit a planning application for the site to City of Edinburgh Council.

Schools

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that 60% capacity is an appropriate criterion for local authorities to use to place schools under review which could conclude with the schools being closed or amalgamated.

Maureen Watt: The Scottish Government recognises that there are many potential factors which may prompt an authority to consider a school’s future. We entirely endorse the views of the Accounts Commission and Audit Scotland that occupancy levels alone should not determine what councils do and that an occupancy level of below 60% should not automatically trigger consideration of a school’s closure.

  Those views were set out in a letter of 24 January 2007 from the Accounts Commission to the Convener of the Parliament’s former Education Committee, which can be found on the Scottish Parliament website at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/education/papers-07/edp07-06.pdf.

Scottish Futures Trust

Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what savings are envisaged through the use of a Scottish Futures Trust.

John Swinney: Our Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) initiative will seek to deliver better value arrangements for major public infrastructure projects. I am confident that through SFT we will deliver infrastructure investment cheaper than using the expensive "standard form" of PFI. Work on the SFT is continuing.

Scottish Government Property

Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what land holdings it has in Moray.

John Swinney: There is no full central record of land holdings for the constituent bodies of the Scottish Government. Information on significant holdings is shown in the 2007 National Asset Register which is published on the Treasury website.

  The main Scottish Government land holdings in Moray are those required for the trunk road network. Centrally held records show also one freehold building - Elgin Sheriff Court with 0.3 acres of land - and 11 leasehold buildings.

Student Finance

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-28470 by Nicol Stephen on 28 November 2006, whether it still believes that the SNP proposals on student funding would cost £1.7 billion to implement and, if not, how much it now believes they will cost and whether it will publish the costings on which the then Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning based his statement on 14 September 2006 that these proposals would cost £1.7 billion ( Official Report , c. 27508).

Fiona Hyslop: It would not be appropriate to publish costings produced under the previous administration. These proposals were not Scottish Executive policy at the time and the intentions of the then SNP opposition were not fully understood.

Student Finance

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-28470 by Nicol Stephen on 28 November 2006, whether it stands by its statement that there are "estimated costs of around £150 million to replace loans with grants and around £1.6 billion to write off anticipated student loan liabilities" and, if not, what its reasons are for believing that these estimates are inaccurate and whether it will publish revised costings.

Fiona Hyslop: It would not be appropriate to publish costings produced under the previous administration. These proposals were not Scottish Executive policy at the time and the intentions of the then SNP opposition were not fully understood.

Terrorism

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police officers have used stop and search powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 since the granting of these powers.

Kenny MacAskill: Scottish police forces have made 84 person searches and 51 vehicle searches under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Terrorism

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether individuals stopped and searched by police using the powers granted under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 are under any obligation to provide their details to the officers undertaking such searches.

Kenny MacAskill: There is no obligation on individuals stopped and searched under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to provide their details to the officers undertaking the searches.

Vaccinations

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of eligible patients aged (a) 65 and over and (b) under 65 and suffering from long-term medical conditions have received a flu vaccination in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: (a) This information is currently only available broken down by health board for the last year. This is contained in the following table. Previous years’ total percent uptake figures for Scotland are also included:

  Influenza Uptake for 2006-07 (Patients 65 and Over)1

  

NHS Board
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07


Ayrshire and Arran
 
 
 
 
75.73%


Borders
 
 
 
 
78.62%


Dumfries and Galloway
 
 
 
 
75.49%


Fife
 
 
 
 
76.88%


Forth Valley
 
 
 
 
78.93%


Glasgow and Clyde
 
 
 
 
74.27%


Grampian
 
 
 
 
75.03%


Highland
 
 
 
 
74.66%


Lanarkshire
 
 
 
 
71.85%


Lothian and W Lothian
 
 
 
 
77.59%


Orkney
 
 
 
 
74.38%


Shetland
 
 
 
 
75.33%


Tayside
 
 
 
 
74.46%


Western Isles
 
 
 
 
62.04%


All Scotland Totals
68.9%
72.5%
71.7%
77.8%
75.16%



  Note: 1. These figures are not population based, but are based only on GMS contract surgeries - the proportion of which varies across the NHS boards (Shetland for example has only one GMS surgery out of a total of ten). Figures do not include a small number of Section 17c and salaried GP practices.

  (b) This information is only available for the last two years and is contained in the following table:

  Influenza Vaccination Uptake for 2005-06 and 2006-07 (Patients Six Months to 65 Years at Risk)1

  

NHS Board
20062
20073


Ayrshire and Arran
48.6%
36.90%


Argyll and Clyde
49.4%
n/a


Borders
47.4%
36.90%


Dumfries and Galloway
49.0%
36.90%


Fife
48.3%
39.70%


Forth Valley
47.9%
44.00%


Greater Glasgow and Clyde
45.8%
37.60%


Grampian
49.0%
41.10%


Highland
50.4%
34.30%


Lanarkshire
45.3%
35.60%


Lothian
41.0%
36.00%


Orkney
69.1%
70.00%


Shetland
46.5%
37.90%


Tayside
41.4%
38.60%


Western Isles
68.2%
41.50%


Totals 
46.3%
37.80%



  Notes:

  1. Figures taken from returns made to Health Protection Scotland by approximately 60% of GP practices.

  2. Information received from 401 practices.

  3. Information received from 676 practices.

Vaccinations

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of eligible patients aged (a) 65 and over and (b) under 65 and suffering from long-term medical conditions have received a pneumococcal vaccination in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: This information is not held centrally.

Vaccinations

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-1906 by Shona Robison on 20 July 2007, whether there are any plans to encourage greater uptake of flu vaccinations among at risk groups under 65 years old.

Shona Robison: The seasonal flu campaign is supported every year by a significant marketing and communications exercise designed to increase uptake amongst those individuals most at risk.

  This year a range of approaches have been taken to promote the message to the at risk groups under 65 years old. This includes a strong marketing message highlighting the risks of flu for those suffering from long-term conditions that will be delivered in and around pharmacies. As well as posters, leaflets and pharmacy bags, the marketing campaign this year will make use of posters on bus shelters in the direct vicinity of pharmacies. Interactive media such as text messaging and interactive posters on bus shelters will also be used.

  We have provided all general practitioners with resource packs to make it easier for them to write to at risk groups to encourage them to attend for their vaccination. We have also worked with voluntary organisations for people who are at risk to promote the need for the flu vaccine, and undertaken media briefings with journalists to ensure the key messages are communicated through the press and other media.

Victim Support

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to create a state fund to pay immediate court-based compensation awards to victims.

Kenny MacAskill: The Scottish Government has no plans to create such a fund.

Victim Support

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend legal aid provisions to provide victims of crime with better access to compensation.

Kenny MacAskill: I am considering whether ministers’ powers to fund or employ solicitors through the Scottish Legal Aid Board to provide legal advice and representation could be utilised to further help victims. The legal aid system can already assist victims claim compensation through the civil courts provided their case meets the three statutory tests for civil legal aid: financial eligibility, probable cause and reasonableness.

  Victims of violent crime can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The Scottish Government’s contribution to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and its administration is expected to be £28 million in 2007-08.

Victim Support

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to take to ensure that victims of all crimes are kept informed of legal proceedings.

Kenny MacAskill: I want to ensure that victims of crime receive the information they need about legal proceedings that affect them. Significant numbers of victims, particularly victims of serious crime, already receive information from the Victim Information and Advice service, an integral part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), and through the operation of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). COPFS will respond to requests for information from any other victim within 20 working days. The Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration provides information to victims of youth crime through its Victim Information Service (VIS), which is currently available in a number of areas across Scotland. Rolling out the service will be given full consideration once an evaluation of the current VIS, and other alternative options, has been carried out.

  Provision of information to victims through all these means is kept under review and any opportunity to improve or extend provision will be given serious consideration. For example, following a recent evaluation of the VNS I indicated a willingness to extend the terms of the scheme to include more victims. A final decision on the extension will depend upon the availability of resources and is therefore subject to the outcome of the Spending Review.

Victim Support

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to provide better support to victims of crime.

Kenny MacAskill: I committed to ensuring that victims of crime receive the support they need when they need it and I see this as integral to making Scotland a safer and stronger country. The Scottish Government’s provision of around £41.5 million in 2007-08 to address issues affecting victims of crime underlines this commitment. This includes a contribution of £28 million to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and to its administration. The remainder includes grants to Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and to a number of initiatives such as the Violence Against Women Fund, the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, additional support for victims during the Domestic Abuse Court pilot and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre pilot in Glasgow. In addition, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has estimated the cost of the Victim Information and Advice service in 2007-08 to be around £1.7 million. Decisions on future initiatives for victims will depend upon the outcome of the Spending Review.

Waterways

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3470 by Stewart Stevenson on 4 September 2007, whether it will provide specific information on what discussions it has had since May 2007 with British Waterways concerning future funding.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government’s continuing grant support for British Waterways in Scotland over the next three years will be announced later this month as part of the outcome of the Strategic Spending Review.

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body

Domestic Abuse

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what support and guidance is available to its employees affected by domestic violence.

Mike Pringle: In answering this question, I take it that the reference to "affected by" domestic violence means subjected to domestic violence. Where an employee of the SPCB reported this, either to line management or a representative of the Personnel Office, the SPCB would offer support in the work place. The way that the SPCB would do this would be dependent on the needs of the employee at that time, for example:

  The employee would be able to access, on a completely confidential basis, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider which is available 24 hours a day. The range of services available include telephone or face to face access to a fully qualified counsellor and access to information specialists;

  To assist line management in such cases, access is also provided to the EAP. This allows management to discuss how they should respond appropriately to the situation, and

  In addition, the SPCB has the option of supporting the employee through referral to our occupational health service. This would apply especially where the employee was returning to work after a long term absence and would allow the SPCB to ensure that relevant support measures were in place at work.

  If the employee needed to make alternative domestic arrangements or require time away from work, the SPCB offers a range of flexible working options.

  In cases where the domestic situation of an employee was manifesting itself in the work-place, again there are a range of measures we can take:

  the on-site Police presence can be alerted. The Police can help with practical advice as well as responding to any formal complaint;

  we can screen calls for the individual, and

  we can agree to alter the individual’s work pattern, approve a career break and consider options for working off-site if necessary.

  If financial advice is needed, this can be provided via the EAP.

  In the case of need for direct financial assistance the employee would be assisted in making an application to the Benevolent Fund of which the SPCB holds corporate membership.

  It is the aim of the SPCB to support sensitively and with professional help any employee who finds him or herself in this regrettable situation.

Domestic Abuse

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what support and guidance is available to its managers to increase awareness in the workplace of the signs of domestic violence and to develop effective responses.

Mike Pringle: If an employee tells his/her line manager in confidence that he/she has been subjected to domestic violence, the SPCB has measures in place to provide effective support to the employee concerned and the line manger. Such measures include:

  Support from the Personnel Office to enable the manager and any colleagues of the employee concerned to deal sensitively with the situation;

  24 hour access for the manager to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider. This can include coaching in dealing with sensitive situations such as this.

  Support from the Personnel Office in assisting the manager to put in place flexible working options and or other adjustments to the work or working environment, should these be required by the employee, and

  If the employee is returning from prolonged sick leave, a referral to our Occupational Health Service will be made and recommendations received as to how best support the employee at work. The manager and Personnel Office would work together in implementing the recommendations from the Occupational Health Service, ensuring that the employee’s confidentiality was maintained at all times.